2023 Minutes

2023 Minutes

 

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Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

14 December 2023

Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1900 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Tim Driscoll

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: US Army veteran, Michael Coleman, served in Germany as a medic.

Motion: by Merritt/Stuart to approve the November Minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

President’s Report: 

Please see my remarks in the Dispatch.

Treasurer’s Report:

Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one.  Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.

Expenses exceeded revenue on non-restricted funds because of the payments due near year end including Dawn Farm’s Thanksgiving Dinner and website hosting fees.  We also had end of year expenses from the restricted funds, but income from the Christmas fund and a separate donation to the Support the Troops fund made the restrict fund come much closer to even.  For the year, we are in better position than our budget predicted.

The board received a copy of the proposed budget for FY 24/25 via email.  The board approved budget will be sent to members along with the notice of the January meetings.  Membership will act on the budget at the January meeting.

AVVA Report:  Please see the report in the Dispatch.  AVVA did provide tuition for three teenagers to attend Girls State next summer.

Committee Reports

Merchandise:  The next sale at the VA this month will be Friday 22 December at 0800.

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans:  The Council remains adjourned until February.

Michigan State Council:  The Annual Meeting will be in June in Marquette.

Memorial Maintenance:  If you would like to join the Memorial Maintenance team, please contact Al (Fredo) Merritt and let him know.  The water is off and things are dormant for the season.  We have plans to plant a concolor fir tree this spring.  We have lost 9 members in good standing since Memorial Day last year.

Website:  We have had around 396,000 hits since the website was last rebuilt.

Membership:  We are at 212 including tonight’s new member and the sudden loss of Bill Abbey.

Newsletter:  No report.

Health Care: No report. 

LTCCSKMC:  No report.

Old Business: None 

New Business: 

Motion by Luker/Bourne to hold the Annual Recognition Dinner on 13 April 2024 at Local 898, 8975 Textile Rd. Approved.

Good of the Order:

Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Sinbad's Koney Island, 2563 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, (734) 528-5800.

Merritt:  Bill Abbey and I have been friends for a long time.  He was active when he first joined but medical issues slowed him down. I ran into him at Kroger recently.  He said he would be at the meeting, but he died the next day.

McCrumb We need somebody to lead planning the Recognition Dinner.  If you are interested, please contact me.

Kinzinger: 

• I have a bunch of life magazines from Vietnam era I am giving away.
• The Washtenaw County Honor Guard is looking for more people.  They will provide training, uniforms and boots.  We do about 150 services a year.  So far this year, we’ve done 89.
• I have a copy of our first Articles of Incorporation and the letter of 10 July 1987 saying they are approved by National. 

Muller:  Most of us have trouble remembering things – especially names.  Nevertheless, I like to address people by their name.  If I bring name tags to the next meeting, will we wear them?  The consensus was that it was a good idea.

Luker: Al (Fredo) Merritt, Wendy Hibbitts and I developed a nonprofit (called “22aday.org”) to manage the Veteran Suicide Awareness project done with the crosses at various places including at the Memorial.  The trailer and crosses are now in Concord, North Carolina and are being placed everyday by American Legion Post 172.  We’ve been talking to Bob Kwiecinski about having somebody in his neck of the woods in Florida be the next host for the campaign.  Bobski said to be sure to let you know that he is thinking of us, is looking forward to seeing us on his next trip up north and that he hopes we all have a good and happy holiday.

Closing Prayer Tim Driscoll

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 1935 hrs

 _____________

Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

9 November 2023

Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1857 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Tim Driscoll

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established. Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: None

Guests: John Riling, Region 5 Director and Michigan State Council President, Gary Estermyer, Michigan State Council Secretary and Michigan State Council Benefits Director.

Convention Briefing and Q and A with John Riling: Although the headquarters team was ready to implement the eight-year shutdown sequence proposed at the 2019 convention, the convention delegates were not willing to name the date by which the National organization would wind up its affairs. Some national responsibilities are being slowly handed off to Veterans Voices of America. They will be taking on more of the claims that go to the US Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims and more of the initial claims as well, but only when the involved veteran approves of that change.

Speaking of claims, the Michigan State Council’s Veterans Services Team is now rated as the second most effective claims program in the country, not only based on the total awards it has produced for veterans, but also because is produces those awards at a lower cost per dollar awarded than the other veteran organizations.

Because State Councils and many Chapters are doing important work that will need to be continued even after National is finished, the national convention determined that both State Councils and Chapters will be allowed to continue to operate their organizations in perpetuity as authorized by their state-issued incorporation documents. They will also be allowed to continue to use the VVA name and other intellectual property like the VVA logo. It is unclear whether the IRS will continue to treat Councils and Chapters as tax exempt organizations. There may or may not be a reapplication process required. 

Once National is gone, Chapters will not be compelled to be part of the State Council. Some chapters and even some State Councils will dissolve, but we hope most will find a way to carry on. We expect most chapters will choose to continue the work of the State Councils. There are discussions about the State Councils within Region Five forming a regional coalition of some sort.

There are many things that National does that it will be difficult or impossible for chapters or Councils to do instead. These include, suing the VA for failure to implement or obey the law, lobbing Congress, advocating nationwide healthcare policy changes such as Agent Orange and other toxic exposures, military sexual assault policy, women’s healthcare policy and so forth. There is some movement at National to help make sure somebody picks up these important duties. As stated, some litigation work is being transferred from National to Veterans Voices of America. Thanks to recent donations from Sandie Wilson and to a bequeath from somebody else, Birthdefects.org is now in a much better position to handle toxic exposure issues at the National level. Nevertheless, Chapters and Councils need to define their own roles going forward.

As you recall, VVA did stand up a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Local Veterans Alliance that was dissolved due to a lack of interest by non-Vietnam Era veterans. The way things stand now, it is not necessary for VVA310 to stand down nor to stand up a new organization. VVA 310 does need a new strategic plan.

Motion: by Feight/Wilson to approve the October Minutes published in the Dispatch. Approved.

President’s Report:  Please see my remarks in the Dispatch.

Treasurer’s Report: Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one. Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.

The significant nonrestricted revenues came from Merchandise sales at the VA and to Rep. Jimmie Wilson. The largest unrestricted expense was the cost of goods sold.

We had $800 revenue for restricted funds. We sent $5,000 to Fisher House Michigan for the Ann Arbor house and sent $2,565 to the VA for underwear for Ann Arbor patients.

AVVA Report: Please see the report in the Dispatch.

Committee Reports

Merchandise: No sales at the VA this month.

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: The Council formed a committee to consider doing a dinner for local dignitaries as has been done in the past. The Council is adjourned until February.

Michigan State Council: Estermyer. The 40th State Council Anniversary Dinner will be 2 December at 1900 at Baldo’s Italian restaurant in Brownstown. The next meeting will be the day after at 1000 at Downriver Chapter 259 in Southfield. The Annual Meeting will be in June in Marquette.

Memorial Maintenance: We have moved summer equipment to the shed and winter equipment to the new building. Nobody is authorized to use the new snow blower except the person who has been shoveling snow at the Memorial by hand for more than 20 years: Wendy Hibbitts. The irrigation system was blown out and leak tested. No problems detected. It will be leak tested again in Spring. The Memorial looks great! Thanks to the members of the Memorial Maintenance Team who put in long hours this summer. If you would like to join the team, please contact Al (Fredo) Merritt and let him know.

Website: We have had 2,881 hits this month for a total of 389,317 hits since inspection.

Membership: We lost three members: Harold W. Klenk, Dennis G. Newman and David L. Ney, bringing membership down to 213.

Newsletter: No report.

Health Care: Long ago the VA said it was taking care of female veterans as needed. Hogwash. Turns out they only treated one female veteran that year. Things have improved at the Ann Arbor VA a great deal since then. The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is now one of the best in the country. 

LTCCSKMC: No report.

Old Business: None 

New Business: None

Good of the Order:  Merritt:Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at The Bomber Restaurant, 306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, (734) 482-0550.

Driscoll: Dave Draper is having health issues. AVVA member Cox had lung surgery and is doing well. Please keep them in your prayers.

Merritt: On behalf of myself and the Memorial Maintenance Committee, I would like to thank Vance McCrumb, Phil Clintworth, Roy and Bonnie Hall, Jane Kinzinger, Tim Driscoll, Chris Wetzler, Eric Downie, Wendy Hibbitts and Jon Luker for showing up for our Fall Cleanup of the Memorial. A lot of good work was accomplished.

Kurtz: Bob Bull will be at Texas Roadhouse on 11 November from 1100 to 1400. He will hand out vouchers and other gifts for veterans. The vouchers will be good for a free meal and will be good for Veterans Day and beyond.

Rivers: The Washtenaw County Honor Guard was given a flag that belonged to a recently interred veteran. The flag shows a map of Vietnam surrounded by the unit patches of most of the units that had deployed to Vietnam in the early years. It is a hard to find vintage flag. On behalf of the Honor Guard, the flag was presented to the Michigan State Council Merchandise team to display at their sales events.

McCrumb: Remember that this Veterans Day is also the 30^th Anniversary of the Women Veterans Memorial. Do you remember being there that day?

McCrumb: For those who are not going to breakfast, remember that Saline High School is having their Veterans event at 0800 tomorrow.

Perrault: Happy Birthday United States Marines!

Hall: We will meet at the Saline Road Meijer store at 1600 on the 21^st to buy groceries for the Dawn Farm annual Christmas Dinner. We told Dawn Farm we will arrive there between 1800 and 1830. You are welcome to help.

Throneberry: Again, I want to thank VVA 310 for support of Veterans Radio. Thanks to your support, we received a matching fund check for ten thousand dollars from VVA National. I’d also like to thank the Bob Woodruff Foundation for their support and suggest you think of them as you seek funding to further your efforts to support veterans.

Harrison: We will meet on 21 November to do our annual grocery shopping for Dawn Farm’s Thanksgiving Dinner. A group of us will do the shopping and then deliver the food to Dawn Farm. If interested in helping, please let me know.

 

Closing Prayer Tim Driscoll

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 2018 hrs

 _________ Dinner

Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

12 October 2023

Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1900 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Tim Driscoll

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: Bill Coleman and Bernhard Muller

Guests:  None 

Motion: by Draper/Hitte to approve the September Minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

President’s Report: 

Please see my remarks in the Dispatch.

Treasurer’s Report:

Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one.  Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.

The significant nonrestricted revenues came from the Clinton Fall Festival and the Pig Roast.  The largest unrestricted expense was the cost of goods sold at the festival.

We did not have revenue for restricted funds but sent $840 to the VA to upgrade dinner to a steak dinner and paid $328 to YUCA for water used at the Memorial.  See note for Memorial Maintenance.

AVVA Report:  Driscoll.  Please see the report in the Dispatch.  AVVA no longer meets at the VFW.

Committee Reports:

Merchandise:  The Pig Roast and The Clinton Fall Festival produced great results due to the support of the volunteers we had from the Chapter.  Next Tuesday, we are doing limited sales at the VA.  We could use 3 or 4 volunteers.  We are also planning to buy a new 10 by 20 popup canopy tent that will save us a lot or work and setup time.  We are working on a plan to sell our two older 10 by 20 canopies to Camp Liberty. 

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans:  No report.

Michigan State Council:  State Council President John Riling is planning on attending our November meeting.  There was discussion about the future of local Chapters and the State Council.  The only thing known for certain is that any chapter that is registered in Michigan as a perpetual, nonprofit entity will be allowed to continue indefinitely, no matter what VVA National does. 

Memorial Maintenance:  Cutting is winding down for the season.  Water will be shut off after our fall cleanup on 21 October.  Everyone is invited to help.  Please bring garden tools, especially garden rakes.  Lunch will be served.

We are addressing a new mole problem.

Arbor Master Tree Service gave us a free consultation to review the health of our trees and shrubs and to advise us about future development.  They plan to return in the Spring as well.

As stated in the Treasurer’s report, we had a surprisingly high water bill.  We consulted with YUCA and the company that installed our irrigation system.  We learned that our bill could be reasonably expected given how we programed the irrigation system during the hot, dry weather we experienced during the 50-day billing period.  We will check again for leaks when the irrigation system is blown out.  We do not expect bills that high in the future, except when we encounter long, hot, dry spells.

Website:  We have had 386,436 visits since the current version of the website came on line a few years ago.

Membership:  Including the two members who joined us tonight, we are now at 216 members. 

Newsletter:  No report.

Health Care: The VA now has the updated Senior Flu vaccine, the RSV vaccine and a new annual Covid vaccine you are encouraged to get.  Due to a change in the VA’s policy, any person born of a veteran (any gender, any time frame) who was born with a birth defect may now file a claim for compensation.  David Saims, Director of the Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to help get those claims filed.  You are encouraged to call ahead for an appointment at 734-973-4540.

Any person who has a child born with a birth defect is encouraged to register with  https://birthdefects.org/.  Your registration will help VA understand the need to offer compensation as well as help researchers learn more about how birth defects happen and how to help those impacted by toxic exposures. 

LTCCSKMC:  Two events coming up.  We will be doing the annual Halloween visit on Monday, 30 October.  Please come in costume.  We’ll meet in the lobby at 1730.  After we visit all the patients we can, we will repair to the Sidetrack Bar and Grill.  We will soon schedule our annual embroidered shirt Christmas giveaway.

Old Business: None 

New Business: None

Good of the Order:

Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Holiday’s Restaurant, 2080 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, (734) 668-1292.

Driscoll: According to NPR, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that a small cell of special operations forces is now assisting Israel with intelligence and planning.  The Pentagon also redirected the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to sail toward Israel.  On Friday, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group will leave its home port of Norfolk, Virginia, and sail for the Mediterranean.

Draper: The American Legion has three events planned for Veterans Day: A flag raising ceremony at 0720 at Veterans Park; a ruck March from Veterans Park to the VFW; and breakfast at the VFW from 0800 to 1100.  VVA 310 loaned the Legion our large grill for that purpose.  All are welcome to the breakfast.

Merritt:   Four years ago, Lloyd Lee and I came up with an idea to rename part of I-94 (between US 23 and the Belleville Road exit) as The Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.  With help from State Representative Jimmie Wilson, the bill was finally approved by the State Legislature and will be signed by the Governor on the 19^th.  A few of us have been invited to the bill signing ceremony.  We were shocked to learn that each sign will cost $4,700.  We are honored that Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo told us that we won’t have to worry about that because the Township will pay for the signs.

Perrault: Most of the flags we retire at the Watch Fire Ceremony come from the Saline American Legion, who collects them all year.  We are collecting more flags each year.  So far this year, we have collected over 35 egg cartons full.  That is far more than VVA can handle.  One of our members has a connection to a crematory.  A respectful flag retirement occurred there that reduced the collection by 25 cartons.

Long: I received a call from Pete Hegseth Fox News in New York about another doctor.  I was able to ask the reporter if they will report on the recent news that M-16s were put in to service in Vietnam despite the manufacturer and the DoD being aware that they had a malfunction that would cause them to jam.  The reporter was interested.  We’ll see what happens.

Kinzinger: We are having our Christmas Packing Party on Sunday, 5 November.  As usual, we start packing at 1500 and are done by 1530.  If you want to help pack, be here by 1445.  If you have things you want to donate to the boxes, be here by 1430.  Each time we do this we spend over $1,500 on postage, so if you want to contribute to shipping costs, that would be appreciated as well.  This year, the packages will go to West Point graduates who are presently deployed outside CONUS.

Throneberry:

• I spoke with Kate Melcher today.  She said they broke ground on the Detroit Fisher House today.
• I want to thank you for your support of Veterans Radio.  Thank you for your contributions to our annual fundraiser.  Contributions made by you and others at our recent fundraising event at Dr. Fretz’s house met our fundraising goal – enough to cover all our operating expenses for one more year.
• It is time to find and train my replacement.  If you know somebody that would like to learn the radio business and be the on-air person for Veterans Radio, please ask them to contact me.

Harrison: We will meet on 21 November to do our annual grocery shopping for Dawn Farm’s Thanksgiving Dinner.  A group of us will do the shopping and then deliver the food to Dawn Farm.  If interested in helping, please let me know.

Closing Prayer Tim Driscoll

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 2007 hrs

 

Vietnam Veterans of America,

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

10 August 2023

Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1900

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Bob Bull

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: None

Guests:  Eric Eschelson

Motion: Bob Bull/Dave Draper to approve the July minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

President’s Report: Vance McCrumb stated he attended the Washtenaw County Council of Veterans meeting. He will defer reporting on this event until the Committee reports agenda item. He mentioned that VVA plans on having three more conventions in years 2025, 2027, and 2029. See the President’s Letter in the August Dispatch for a full report of the prior month’s activities. 

Treasurer’s Report: Berry Bourne reported the major non-restricted fund activity was merchandise team realized $1,314 revenue at three events (June Autorama, AA VA, and Vet Fest) plus sale of a chapter jacket with $744 profit plus $25 donations. We recently received a $3,000 donation from IBEW towards memorial maintenance. McCrumb further explained the details of the donation.       

AVVA Report: Jane Kinzinger, in Kathy Driscoll’s absence while attending the VVA National Convention, that their restricted fund has a $4,556 balance. They will provide support at the Pig Roast and look forward to sharing in one of the four 50/50 raffles during the event. Please see the full report in the Dispatch. 

Committee Reports:

Merchandise: Stan Harrison stated that merchandise will be sold at the AA VA on Thursday, August 17^th from 0800 – 1400 hrs. Merchandise will also be able for purchase during the Pig Roast. 

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Bob Bull, WCCV Commander, stated that they are attempting to be more inclusive by have more organizations support their effort. Their goal is to increase the membership. 

Michigan State Council: See President’s August letter in the Dispatch for items discussed at the latest meeting. 

Memorial Maintenance: Al (Fredo) Merritt stated the memorial site is really looking good. Recently an Arborist type visited the site and informed the team that the pine trees need to be deep fertilized.

Website:  Approximately 389,000 hits since inception

Membership: 214

Newsletter: No report 

Health Care: No report. 

LTCCSKMC: John Kinzinger reported that they are planning the Halloween and Christmas Parties for the AA VA. A big question is how many people will be allowed to participate. Last year’s Christmas Party was restricted to seven people due to COVID restrictions. Several months ago a $5,000 motion was passed to provide underwear as needed to the VA. So far, $1,038 has been spent.

Old Business: None

New Business: None 

Good of the Order:

Al (Fredo) Merritt – Inquired if anyone would accept the chapter jackets coordination due to his time constraints at the memorial. No response.

Stan Harrison – Stated that the Clinton Fall Festival is Sept. 22/23/24 and any help setting up and selling merchandise would be appreciated. This is the largest merchandise selling opportunity during the year. 

John Kinzinger – Mentioned that the Kiwanis located on Jackson Road offers veterans a 20% discount on their purchase.   

Dale Throneberry – Veterans Radio will celebrate it 20^th anniversary on September 30^th with a show on Geddes Road. They hope to have a MOH in attendance. Further detailed notice will be emailed.   

Bob Bull – 1) Texas Roadhouse will contribute 10% of its proceeds on August 22nd from 1500-2200 hrs to Bridge Corp., 2) VRC (Veterans Resource Center) will shut down at the end of August because very little meaningful interest at current location. 3) A veteran recently took his life while at the AA VA. We need to inquire of veterans leaving the VA as to how satisfied they were of the medical treatment they just received. AA VA is very short on staff to aid with mental health issues. 4) There is an app titled WhyMI that covers, among other things, a transition plan for veterans which addresses Health and Welfare needs.

Vance McCrumb – A chapter member made 20 canes for distribution at the AA VA. It was further learned that the canes do not meet government specifications and could not be given away. 

Chapter Breakfast tomorrow – At 0900 at Brewed Awakenings Café, 7025 E Michigan Ave, Saline

Closing Prayer: Bob Bull

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 1945

__________________

 

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VVA 310 Chapter Meeting Minutes

By Jon Luker

Vietnam Veterans of America Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

8 June 2023

Call to Order by President McCrumb at 1900 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Tim Driscoll

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: None

Guests:  None 

Swearing In of New Officers: Sandie Wilson swore in the new slate of elected officers and directors for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

Daughters of the American Revolution: The DAR, represented by six ladies, were in attendance to award Vietnam Veteran lapel pins to those who had not previously received the pins in commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war. Lauren Smith read a proclamation from Secretary of Defense Austin. A certificate was presented to the Chapter from The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration by the Department of Defense honoring VVA Chapter 310 as an Honorary Partner. Other ladies in the group were Pamela Smock, Jane Griffith, Amy Burton, Martha Valen, and Kate Kirkpatrick. 

Motion: Wilson/Throneberry to approve the May Minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

President’s Report: 

I attended the Washtenaw County Council of Veterans meeting with Stan Harrison. Nothing significant to report. The local VA hospital has experienced a significant drop in the volunteers from around 2,000 to approximately 200 currently. 

Treasurer’s Report:

Merchandise team sold items at the VA for the second time since Covid-19. At $347 revenue the net profit was $122 after deducting cost of goods sold, and fees to the VA and credit card company for processing. $750 was received from VVA Michigan State Council for attending the National Convention. $1,140 revenue from Annual Recognition dinner which resulted in a $2,047 deficit. Paid the Ann Arbor VA $722 for the first of three steak dinner upgrades. Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one.  Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.  No questions

AVVA Report: Please see the report in the Dispatch. 

Committee Reports:

Merchandise:  See Treasurer’s Report for merchandise sales event. 

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans:  None

Michigan State Council: The Michigan State VVA President oversees benefits at the national level. 

Memorial Maintenance: Much work has been done at the Memorial this spring with new sod and an irrigation system. A great big thank you is due Al (Fredo) Merritt, Jon Luker and Wendy Hibbitts for their leadership in overseeing these significant improvements. The entire site looked immaculate for the Memorial Day program.

Website:  Approximately 376,500 hits since inception

Membership: 212

Newsletter: Paulo is considering newsletter changes and to submit same for Newsletter of the Year consideration. Your recommendations are welcomed. 

Health Care: Sandie Wilson talked about her involvement at the national level as chairperson of Agent Orange Committee and the process the committee has made. 

LTCCSKMC: John Kinzinger stated that new underwear has been delivered to the VA as part of the $5,000 approved at last month’s meeting. Fisher House capacity is at 87% and if it exceeds 90%, there would be discussions about building a second Fisher House in Ann Arbor.

Unfinished Business: Stan Harrison presented the following three awards to these individuals that could not attend the Annual Recognition dinner: Brian Graef as Veteran of the Year; Marv Rivers was awarded the Doc Martinez award; and Brian Bayha was awarded the Always There award.

Old Business: None

New Business: 

Sandie Wilson stated that the Agent Orange flag displayed at the VFW should be replaced with the current Agent Orange flag. 

Good of the Order:

Dale Throneberry – Show and dinner on July 9^th at 1600-1900 hrs. He requested that individuals in the book, We Answered The Call, read their Vietnam experience. Sept. 23 is the 20^th Anniversary of Veterans Radio.

John Kinzinger – Commented that the Memorial Day program at our Memorial was well planned and received. He mentioned the Car Show at Camp Liberty on June 24^th. $20 per car to enter the grounds and have lunch.

Vance McCrumb – Bill Henderson informed me of a Juneteenth celebration on June 24^th at Washtenaw Community College. They will recognize Veterans in attendance. Vance needs to know if you would like to attend. 

Marv Rivers – Their twin daughters are graduating from Chelsea High School with Honors. You are invited to a celebration at their house. Contact Marv for date, time and his address.

Chapter Breakfast on July 14^th: TBD

Closing Prayer: Tim Driscoll

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 2015 hrs

________________

Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

11 May 2023

Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Bob Bull

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: None

Guests:  None 

Motion: by Driscoll/Hitte to approve the April Minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

President’s Report:  

I tried to go to the sendoff for 177^th MP company but they wouldn’t let me in.  We’ll do a watchfire the night before Memorial Day.  There will be a Memorial Ceremony at 1300 hrs, at the Memorial.  There will be the usual parade in Saline.  We will pass the hat for the  Steve Robison family, who have been good friends to our chapter, who got hit by a driver attempting to allude the police.  They have a GoFundMe page also.

Treasurer’s Report:

Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one.  Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.  Nothing significant to report except that Merchandise Committee sold $347 of merchandise at the VA Canteen, but it was not very profitable for us because the VA took twenty percent off the top.  No questions

AVVA Report:  Driscoll.  Please see the report in the Dispatch.  Tomorrow at 1000 hrs. we will be planting flowers at the Memorial.  We are doing a table raffle at recognition dinner.  Proceeds will go to Fisher House.  We willalso sell bracelets there for Fisher House.  We are sending one person to Girls State in June.  We are still collecting your gifts of trial size toiletries which we deliver to Fisher House every other month or so.  Dell Mays and Steve Cox’s internments are coming up.

Swearing In of New Board Members – Harrison

New board members and officers were sworn in except those who were excused from attendance.

Committee Reports:

Merchandise:  We will do sales at the VA on Tuesday.  Unload at 0700 hrs. with sales from 0800 hrs. to 1400 hrs..  We are taking less to sell but still trying to make it work.  We’ll have some items to sell at the recognition dinner with setup at 1200 hrs on that day..  Tickets are on sale here or at the door.  We’d rather you buy tickets tonight.  Doors open at 1730 hrs.. 

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans:  The Council discussed changing the Council Constitution to add organizations that aid veterans.  Bylaws will be reviewed next.

Michigan State Council:  The next meeting is still coming up.

Memorial Maintenance:  Home Depot sent nearly 50 people out to the Memorial to do work for us.  They weeded the stones, planted flowers and bushes on the berm, replenished the red cedar chips and placed new chips around the maintenance building.  They refurbished the black rubber chips and releveled the POW/MIA picnic table.  They took down the old shed and replaced it with a new, larger one.  The Memorial is really improving every year.  We’d like you to go there and check it out if you haven’t been there recently. Sandie Martinez donated a new set of flags for the Memorial.

Website:  No Report.

Membership:  No Report. 

Newsletter:  The newsletter committee would like to get some suggestions for how to change the Dispatch.  Thank you all who are contributing new material.  We thought about producing the dispatch in color, but it would cost too much - $213.04 compared to the $35 we pay for black and white.  George has a few hard copies if you need one.

Health Care: No report.  

LTCCSKMC:  The VA is asking for more volunteers.  If you are not vaccinated, they want you to wear a max.  Several new Community Based Outpatient Clinics have opened in Adrian, Howell, Canton, plus one near Ohio.  Please continue to encourage any veteran you meet to sign up for VA healthcare and to meet with a VSO for a compensation review.

Old Business: None 

 

New Business: Motion by Kinzinger, seconded by Bull to spend $5,000 from the restricted fund for underwear for VA hospital patients.  Approved.

Good of the Order:

Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 hrs. at Brewed Awakenings Café, 7025 E Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176, (734) 316-2084.

Merritt: Thanks to Sandie Martinez for the new set of flags

Frazer: Joe Mishler goes around collecting stories about women who have served in the US military.  He is still looking for new people to tell their stories.  Joe Mishler 810 348-9960.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  300 East St., Room C 309.Holly, Michigan48442.

Perrault:  Saline parade is coming up.  Steve needs help carrying flags to the truck tonight.

Throneberry:  I was behind a truck with Marine stickers on it at KFC in Saline.  When I got to the window to pay, I was told the Marine paid for me.

We had a group on Veterans Radio called The Fallen Patriots Foundation.  They provide scholarships for children of US servicemembers who were killed in action.  www.fallenpatriots.org.  The speaker was a Chinook pilot in Afghanistan.  Her husband, who was also a 
Chinook pilot, was killed in Afghanistan.

Bull

• I have been asking people if they will write a letter to veterans.  I have half page letters.  I’d like to ask you to do them too.  We send them to the soldiers’ homes and the VA hospitals in Michigan.
• I’m collecting any power reading glasses for the hospital.
• Sock drive happens in August and September.  The VA will accept new socks only, any color, men’s and women’s.  
• If you come to the VRC you could help us make anti-depression kits.  Each one is a small bag with a few things in them.

Kinzinger   Camp Liberty is a 37-acre camp that was just reorganized.  They do hunts for disabled veterans.  They’ve done four hunts this year.  There will be a car show on 24 June there.  It is Camp Liberty’s annual fundraiser.  The tickets are $20 per adult.  Everybody gets food, dog tags, live music and more.  Camp Liberty will use the same DJ we use at the Pig Roast to provide music.  VRC mobile van will be there also.

Driscoll

• The Memorial Day parade assembles in Saline at 0900 hrs. at the Michigan Ave fire station.  The VRC van will be there.  The parade begins about 0945 hrs, and ends at the cemetery where a service takes place at which we honor interred veterans.  Then we go to the Legion (across the street) for a free lunch. And then we go to the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  You can add your vehicle to the parade.  If you want to do that, let me know.  If anybody needs a ride, Steve Hitte has room for a couple of people.
• John Kinzinger won the National Veterans Service awards from Daughters of the American Revolution.  He will receive the award at the annual DAR convention in Washington, DC.

Harrison:  We have tickets for dinner and coins for sale at the table up front.

Bourne:  Passing the hat produced  $400 for the Robison family in Saline.

Closing Prayer Bob Bull

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 1941 hrs.

Polls will remain open until 2000 hrs. 

_______________

 

Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Annual Meeting Minutes 

13 April 2023

Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Bob Bull

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: None

Guests:  None 

Motion: by Stuart/Merritt to approve the March Minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

Adjourn to Nominations

 

There were no new nominations.  Candidates for election are:

President: Vance McCrumb

Vice President: Marv Rivers 

Treasurer: Berry Bourne

Secretary: Jon Luker

Sergeant at Arms: Eric Downie

Two-year board members moving to 1-year positions are: Bob Bull, Sandie Wilson, Steve Hitte, Dave Draper and Al (Fredo) Merritt

Candidates for Two-year board are Bill Stuart, Tim Clarke, John Kinzinger, Dale Throneberry.

We need up to five members to volunteer to be State Council Delegates.  So far, we have: Tim Driscoll, Brian Bayha and Sandie Wilson.  They will go to the VVA National Convention 8-12 August, in Orlando, Florida.

Recall to Order

President’s Report:  

I appointed Bob Bull as Chapter Service Officer.  He will be the point person for any Way Forward Fund request.  We did go to the VA Vietnam Veterans Day at the VA hospital.  Planning for recognition dinner is going fine.  It will be held 13 May, remember.  Marty Cothorn represented us at the opening of the Ann Arbor VA’s new Women’s Healthcare Clinic.

Treasurer’s Report:

Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one.  Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.

It was an active month.  Unrestricted fund events include $1,908 received from VVA National for Membership at $9 per member (212 members).  $1,500 deposit paid to Caterer for Annual Recognition Dinner.  $1,800 to VFW for $1,200 donation and $600 Wi-Fi access for the entire year.  On restricted funds, we paid $1,332 for a 50% down payment for reprint of 500 books “We Answered the Call.”  When we pay the balance, that will about extinguish the Charles Kettles Book restricted Fund.  Operating cash decreased $30,422 due primarily to $25,714 capital expenditures for Vietnam Memorial project plus the above receipts and expenses.  No questions

Health Care: Wilson.

VVA is going to sue the VA for not obeying the law requiring toxic exposure research ordered by Congress.  We have a professor who just returned from sabbatical leave who is going to draft the language needed for us to file the complaint.

Old Business: None 

 

New Business: None

Good of the Order:

Wilson: President McManus has called a meeting in Washington DC for the VVA Board of Directors.  The meeting is about the future of VVA.  I will be there, of course.  One proposal is to find a way that Chapters and State Councils can carry on after National is shut down.  The Council of State Council Presidents will be at the meeting for two hours as well.

Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at The Bomber Restaurant at 306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, (734) 482-0550.

Rivers: Camp Liberty is having a fundraiser car and bike show from 0900 to 1500 on 24 June.  No entry fee will be charge for vehicles on display.  Adult visitors will pay $20.  Our Chapter Merchandise team will be there.  (As always, a little help setting up, selling and packing up would be appreciated).  Expect an email flyer about it in tonight’s email.

Bull:

• 177^thMP unit is being deployed.  Nobody is saying where they are going.  There is a send-off planned for them in the afternoon of 29 April.  Eagle’s Nest Marriot on Huron River Drive, just south of the expressway.  They have briefings in the morning followed by lunch and then the send-off.
• Vet Fest is set for Washtenaw Community College (WCC) on 22 July from 1000 to 1500.  VVA Merchandise Team will be there.
• The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) has moved to the second floor of the Industrial Technology building on WCC’s campus.  Our hours are still 0930 to 1700, but it is on Wednesday and Friday now.  Everything else is the same: Donuts, coffee, hotdogs and so forth.
• The Mobile Unit is getting its wrap soon.  It will show the name of our sponsor.
• I am working to help introduce a new piece of legislation called the Next of Kin Act.  Too many veterans die without telling anybody who should be notified of their death.  After they sit around in morgues or mortuaries for six months, they are buried in a pauper’s grave with no markings of any kind and without any type of ceremony or military honors being given.  The Next of Kin Act would allow veterans to name their favorite veterans service organization as their “next of kin” for purposes of making sure their remains are properly cared for and honored.

Harrison: The VA is letting us set up a small merchandising activity in the third-floor canteen.  We will do this on each Tuesday that follows the VVA meeting.  Our first sale will be on 18 April.  We will need help setting up at 0630, taking down at 1400 and selling from 0800 to 1400.  You don’t need to stay for the whole thing.  Just show up and help for a little while. We won’t have as much space as before, so this will be a learning experience.

Closing Prayer Bob Bull

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 1941 hrs.

Polls open until 2000 hrs. 

 

VVA 310 Chapter

Meeting Minutes

 

Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

9 March 2023

Call to Order: By President Stan Harrison at 1900 

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Rev. Bob Bull

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: None

Guests:  Sean Stevens

Motion: by Bull/Bayha to approve the February Minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

Adjourn to Nominations

President: 2 Mar 2023 - Marv Rivers (decline), Stan Harrison (decline), Vance McCrumb (decline), 9 Mar 2023 – Vance McCrumb (Accept)

Vice President: 2 Mar 2023 - Vance McCrumb (Accept), Bob Bull (decline), 9 Mar 2023 – Vance McCrumb (decline), Marv Rivers (Accept)

Treasurer: 2 Mar 2023 - Berry Bourne (Accept)

Secretary: 2 Mar 2023 - Jon Luker (Accept)

Sergeant at Arms: 2 Mar 2023 - Joe Palazzolo (decline), Eric Downey (Accept)

Two-year board members moving to one-year positions are: Bob Bull, Sandie Wilson, Steve Hitte, Dave Draper, Al (Fredo) Merritt

Two-year board nominees – Three nominees required.

Accepting: 2 Mar 2023 - Bill Stuart, Tim Clarke, John Kinzinger, Dale Throneberry

Declining: 2 Mar 2023 - Eric Downey, Nick Bauder, Roy Hall, Chris Wetzler 

Volunteered as State Council Delegates: Tim Driscoll, Brian Bayha. Sandie Wilson as an Alternate.

Recall to Order

President’s Report: 

We received a Thank You letter from Veterans Radio America for our $3,200 donations in 2022. I escorted Ms. Michigan around the AA VA hospital during Valentine’s Day. Pig Roast Planning Committee will meet in May. Annual Recognition Dinner is scheduled for 13 May at UAW Hall at 8975 Textile Rd. in Ypsilanti. Home Depot has expressed a desire to support us. We have preliminary discussions about building a new structure at the Memorial site to house our 660 crosses, etc. A $500 Donation Request has been filed with Meijer’s on Ann Arbor/Saline Rd. to provide funding for our Thanksgiving Dinner at Dawn Farm. 

Treasurer’s Report:

Reports were emailed to the Board and to members who wanted one. Let Bourne know your email address if desire these reports.  Quiet period of transactions this month. We expended $11,925 as partial payments for landscaping and irrigation system.

AVVA Report: 

Driscoll- Please see report in the Dispatch. Steve Cox’s memorial service will be on May 24^th. No date has been set for Margie Ballou’s memorial service. Memorial Day flowers planning team is organizing,

Committee Reports:

Merchandise:  Chapter jackets and chapter challenge were sold for a $4.84 profit. AA VA will allow us to sell merchandise again on the third floor near the canteen. 20% of the receipts are remitted to the VA. First day will be Wednesday, April 19^th from 0800 – 1400.

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Rev. Bob Bull has been elected commander. Next meeting is 20 March in Saline.

Michigan State Council: Next meeting is 12 March at the Eagles Hall in Michigan Center.

Memorial Maintenance: Merritt.

New sod has been placed within the circular sidewalk and the new irrigation system is about 60% complete. Open capital items are a berm in the back near the property line and new Arborvitae trees.  

Website:  McCrumb.  We are up around 370,000 hits since we started counting. A new page has been added discussing the memorial grounds upgrade.

Membership: The official number is at 211.

Newsletter: No report.

Health Care: Wilson - Women’s clinic has opened at the AA VA with four exam rooms in addition to a kid’s area. 

LTCCSKMC: Kinzinger.  No report

Old Business: 

Wilson stated that a PACT husband died four years and the spouse approached the VA about filed a claim. The Service Officer said no funds would be awarded. The spouse received a check within 30 days. Encourage those to file claims in the circumstances dictate it. 

New Business: 

Dave Draper stated that a VetFest in being planned Washtenaw County College on Saturday, 29 July, and the need for funds. Motion made by Driscoll/Bull to donation $500.00 to the event. Approved.

Good of the Order:

McCrumb: Introduced Sean Stevens, Outreach Coordinator at AA VA. He stated that the VA desired to participate with the Chapter on a Vietnam Veterans Day gathering on Wednesday, 29 March. Ideas discussed were coffee and donuts for the attendees. Invite Congresswomen Debbie Dingell to the event. Consider inviting a representative from Great Lake National Cemetery in Holly, MI. 310 will have an information table at the event.

Throneberry: Veterans Radio has a link on its website to “Operation Song” by Dave Bray from Nashville, TN as Welcome Home from Vietnam to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. He also stated a special program will be on the radio featuring black veterans in Vietnam.   

Bull: He set up a veterans exhibit at the Detroit Autorama in Huntington Place.  He talked with 133 veterans from all branches of the service. He passed out a pamphlet prepared by the VA titled “Hello. Welcome to VA. Let’s get started.” A very comprehensive document on all services at the VA. In addition, he passed out a flyer captioned “PTSR Coach” and encouraged a review and possibly distribute to someone in need.

Draper – Mentioned the American Legion food drive this month and barrels located at the VFW.

Harrison: A Bass Tournament will be held on June 10^th at Kent Lake 

Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Holiday’s Restaurant, 2080 W Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. (734) 668-1292 

Closing Prayer: Rev. Bob Bull

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 0810 hrs. 

 

______________________ 

VVA 310 

February Meeting Minutes

By Jon Luker, Secretary

Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

9 February 2023

Call to Order by President Harrison at 1900 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Bob Bull

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established. Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: Garry Massengill, Rick Wagner

Guests: None 

Motion: by Stuart/Bull to approve the January Minutes published in the Dispatch. Approved.

Adjourn to Nominations

President: Marv Rivers (absent), Stan Harrison (decline), Vance McCrumb (decline)

Vice President: Vance McCrumb (Accept), Bob Bull (decline), 

Treasurer: Berry Bourne (Accept)

Secretary: Jon Luker (Accept)

Sergeant at Arms: Joe Palazzolo (decline) Eric Downey (Accept)

Two-year Board members moving to 1-year positions are: Bob Bull, Sandie Wilson, Steve Hitte, Dave Draper, Al (Fredo) Merritt

Two-year Board nominees

Accepting: Bill Stuart, Tim Clarke, John Kinzinger, Dale Throneberry

Declining: Eric Downey, Nick Bauder, Roy Hall, Chris Wetzler 

We need up to 5 State Council Delegates to volunteer. They will go to the VVA National Convention 8-12 August, in Orlando, Florida.

Recall to Order

President’s Report: 

I want to thank everyone who showed up to honor Del Mayes at his viewing.

We set the date for the Pig Roast to Saturday, 26 August. The Recognition Dinner will be 13 May at UAW 898 Hall at 8975 Textile Rd. We will keep the ticket price at $15.

Treasurer’s Report:

Reports were emailed to the Board and to members who wanted one. Let Bourne know your email address if you desire these reports.

January was quiet, but we had a $20,000 three-year certificate of deposit at 2.75% mature that provided $2,300 interest. We continue to receive contributions for the Christmas Program. It is now over $18,000. Our thanks to the Christmas Program committee and to those who donate.

AVVA Report:

Driscoll. Please see report in the Dispatch. Marge Ballou passed away. She will be interred at Great Lakes this Spring. Steve Cox passed away. No viewing but he will have a funeral at Great Lakes. Dates to be determined. We did purchase a flower arrangement for Marge. We still have 50 bracelets to sell to raise funds for Fisher House Ann Arbor. Still collecting trial-size toilet items for Fisher House. 

Committee Reports:

Merchandise: No report, but we do have Chapter coins here for sale.

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Next meeting, 20 February, will be here and sponsored by 40&8. We would like a couple members to volunteer to represent us.

Michigan State Council: Next meeting is on 12 March at the Eagles Hall in Michigan Center.

Memorial Maintenance: Merritt. A few of last year’s maintenance crew have had to resign, so we are looking for new crew members. Please consider helping us. It is usually once a month and usually only takes two hours to do the job right. We are planning a clean-up date for the end of March. Irrigation plan is coming together.

Website: McCrumb. We are up around 367,220 hits since we started counting. I put PACT Act information on the website with reference to the Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Services. I also put links on our website to other websites but only if they offer help to veterans for free.

Membership: The official number is at 215, since we lost Steve Cox. There has been no recent report from National.

Newsletter: No report.

Health Care: Wilson. The VAMC still wants you to mask up to enter a facility. Dr. Long added that viruses get less deadly but more contagious to ensure the survival of the virus. It will become like the common cold. Now that treatments are better and the virus is less severe, Covid-19 consequences are less of a problem than in 2020. Although Fentanyl is a very useful medication, its abuse has become such a serious problem. From April 2020 to April 2021, over 64,000 deaths were due to Fentanyl – more people than were killed during the entire Vietnam War (not counting subsequent death from toxic exposure or long term effects of wounds).

LTCCSKMC: Kinzinger. Stan Harrison is going to escort Melissa Beyrand, who is Miss Michigan for 2022, to do room visits at the VA hospital on 14 February.

Old Business: None 

New Business: 

Motion by Bourne, supported by Bull, to approve the 2023-2024 Operating Budget presented to the membership as amended by the Board in January 2023. Approved.

Motion by Draper, supported by Bull, to purchase one table of tickets for $120 to the 100^th American Legion Anniversary Dinner, 30 August 2023. Approved.

Good of the Order:

Long: For those of you who can’t afford to buy it, I left a copy of my book about the firsthand experiences of medics and nurses in Vietnam here at VVA 310. Feel free to take it home to read but bring it back for the next person.

Bull: We had to move the Veterans Resource Center from the VFW to Washtenaw Community College, Technical and Industrial Building, Room 247 on the second floor. The days and hours stay the same, except as WCC’s needs dictate, Wednesday and Saturday from 0930 to 1700. On our first day there, we had three student veterans come to visit us.

Don’t make your caregivers and survivors try to get a copy of your DD-214 after you are incapacitated or dead. Get your copy now. They will need it to get you the care you need and then to take care of your memorial and burial later. There are three ways you can get your DD-214. The easiest is to call (800) 642-4838 (Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency). If they have it, they will email it to you. You can also get one from the county register of deeds in the county that was your home of record when you ETS’d, if you followed the advice you were given during out-processing to record it when you got home. The third way is to request it from the National Personnel Records Center. Don’t request it by mail. It will take years. Instead, go online to HYPERLINK "https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html"https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html? to ask for yours. There is an online form. If your DD-214 has been scanned, this process will take less time than using the mail.

Each September, we donate socks to the VAMC. Please bring new socks to any of our meetings.

I am also looking for volunteer drivers. The program is called “DAVe” (Delivering A Vet). Volunteers would drive Vets that can’t get rides with the traditional services. Sometimes, a driver might need to stay at the VAMC if the patient is going to be anesthetized and discharged on the same day.

Hall: Our Recognition Dinner will be on 13 May. I need you to bring me new items for the bucket raffle, or recent gifts you would like to regift. If you have gift cards that you will not use, those will make good donations, also. 

Harrison:  Remember, we are doing the election differently this year. We are going to hold it on the second Thursday on April, 13 April 2023, which is our regular meeting night. We are not meeting on a Sunday as we did in the past. The election will be open for only two hours, instead of four as we did in the past. You may vote in person anytime from 1800 to 2000.

Merritt:    Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at Brewed Awakenings Café, 7025 E Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176, (734) 316-2084.

Closing Prayer: Bob Bull

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 2030 hrs. 

 

__________________ 

Vietnam Veterans of America

Charles S. Kettles Chapter 310

Regular Membership Meeting Minutes 

12 January 2023

Call to Order by President Harrison at 1902 hrs.

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Prayer: Bob Bull

Moment of Silence for POW/MIA’S, their families, and those who are serving in hazardous places around the world.

Roll Call: A quorum was established.  Welcome Home Everyone!

New Members: None

Guests:  None 

Motion: by Bull/Merritt to approve the November and December Minutes published in the Dispatch.  Approved.

President’s Report: 

Several of our members went to the VA hospital to pass out Christmas shirts and to meet the patients.  Dell Mayes passed away.  Several of us are going to the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, 7425 East M-36, Hamburg, MI 48139 at 1600 tomorrow to pass in review and pay our respects as a chapter.  Special thanks to Tim Clarke for bringing Dell to the December meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:

Reports were emailed to the board and to members who wanted one.  Let Bourne know your email address.

On our nonrestricted accounts, we had a small amount of revenue from merchandise.  We spent some on the website hosting fee and $300 for Wreathes Across America.  Thanks to Meni Draper for completing the merchandise inventory.  We had to adjust the value of the merchandise downward.

The only major restricted revenue is from the Christmas Fundraiser that is on target close to $18,000 with a $14,000 budget.  We spent $9,500 on underwear and embroidered shirts.  We also received $1,000 more in donations for this year’s packing party than our expenses.

The board has a proposed budget that needs a few tweaks before we present it to the membership.  The budget will be sent out as soon as we can so that members may approve a final budget at the February meeting.

AVVA Report:

Driscoll.  Please see report in the Dispatch.   We have one of the four girls set to go to Girls State that cancelled.  Nominate your high school Junior or Senior relatives by contacting Kathy Driscoll.

February and March will be zoom meetings for AVVA

Committee Reports:

Merchandise:  The VA is not letting us do sales there yet.  We have no other sales planned at this time.  See Fredo to purchase a chapter jacket.  Price varies by size and what you want on it.  About $90 each.  Vance sells the chapter hats for $10 each.

Washtenaw County Council of Veterans: Next meeting will be here sponsored by 40&8. 

Michigan State Council: Next meeting is on 12 March at the Eagles Hall in Michigan Center.

Memorial Maintenance: Merritt.  The grass is still growing.  I’ll be bringing new signup sheets to the next meeting.  Signup if you want to help maintain the Memorial.  Also, the preliminary plan for irrigation has been approved.  Al Walk has agreed to file our permit with the township unless we hire a contractor.  Either way, Al volunteered to make the connection to the building and inside the building to the water supply.  Although we haven’t picked a contractor, we expect to begin work by spring.

Website:  McCrumb.  We are up around 364,950 hits since we started counting.  A few hits were from Vietnam.

Membership: The official number is at 214, since we lost Dell.

Newsletter: No report.

Healthcare: Wilson.  Because of the benefits added by the PACT Act, we need to encourage everybody who is eligible to use the VA Healthcare System for all of their healthcare needs, not just the ones they think are service connected.

LTCCSKMC: Kinzinger.  The Christmas fundraiser is going well.  The committee is considering another gift to Fisher House that would happen during a matching cycle.  We did a revised Christmas program at the VA this year.  We were limited to 10 people and were not able to sponsor any entertainment.  We were able to visit with the patients and pass out the embroidered shirts.  We already had delivered the underwear to Voluntary Services who will issue it to the patients as they are admitted.  During the week of 14 February, the VA is hosting “Veterans Week.”  We hope that the VA will allow us to bring Miss Michigan to visit veterans as a replacement for not getting to bring her for the Christmas program.

Old Business: None 

New Business: None

Good of the Order:

McCrumb: There is a book Dr. Long wrote about the firsthand experiences of medics and nurses in Vietnam.  It is a fast read for less than $20 online.

Kinzinger: Gave a good tribute to Dell Mays.  Others joined in.

Bull:

• We will deliver the food boxes to the food banks shortly.
• Vietnam Veterans Day coffee and donuts at the memorial 29 March
• There will be another drive for new socks this summer.
• There will be an Autorama at Cobo Hall 24 to 26 Feb, so we can meet veterans and get them the help they need.  I am seeking volunteers
• March 10 - 12 is another chance to volunteer to talk to veterans at the Moose convention in Frankenmuth.
• Mobil Resources Unit received 50 coats and a $560 donation from the Moose. 
• I am also looking for volunteer drivers.  The program is called “DAVe” (Delivering A Vet).  Volunteers would drive Vets that can’t get rides with the traditional services.  Sometimes, you might need to stay at the VA if the patient is going to be anesthetized and discharged on the same day.

Throneberry:  22 January show will feature Dr. Long and one of the people that he saved.  It will be live at 1700 on WAAM or WDDK.  It will be available by podcast not long after. 

Frazier: Thanks to John Kinzinger for getting me involved with VVA and VFW.  VFW had Cooties who supported VFW by doing volunteer work in the community.  Horace wants to help get Cooties active in the community again.  Thanks also for helping the Guitars for Vets program.

Clarke: There will be a memorial service for Dell Mayes at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation at 1700 on Sunday, 29 January

Merritt: Breakfast on Friday will be at 0900 at The Bomber Restaurant, 306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, (734) 482-0550.

Bayha: Did Sandie get her chicken tonight?

Closing Prayer Bob Bull

Flag Salute

Meeting Adjourned at 1952 hrs.